Aging: Racial and Ethnic Groups
- Daniel S. GardnerDaniel S. GardnerAssociate Professor, Silberman School of Social Work, Hunter College; Senior Research Faculty, Brookdale Center for Healthy Aging Hartford
- and Caroline Rosenthal GelmanCaroline Rosenthal GelmanAssociate Professor at Silberman School of Social Work, Hunter College, City University of New York
Summary
Minority and immigrant elders constitute a greater proportion of the population than ever before and are the fastest growing segment of the older population. Within these racial and ethnic groups there is considerable variation with regard to age, gender, country of origin, language, religion, education, income, duration of U.S. residency, immigration status, living arrangements, social capital, and access to resources. The authors summarize research on older adults regarding racial and ethnic disparities, barriers to health and social service utilization, and dynamics of family caregiving. Implications are offered for social-work practice, policy, and research.
